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Breaking News in Tech, Search, Social, & BusinessTue, 31 Mar 2015 20:05:26 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.1Worldwide LTE Subscriptions Steadily Risinghttp://www.webpronews.com/worldwide-lte-subscriptions-steadily-rising-2014-02
http://www.webpronews.com/worldwide-lte-subscriptions-steadily-rising-2014-02#commentsThu, 27 Feb 2014 19:54:55 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=325886The smartphone market is continuing to grow, yet most of the world does not yet have access to 4G LTE connections. This is set to change in the near future, however, as emerging nations such as China begin to build out their infrastructure.

Market research firm ABI Research today released a new report showing that LTE subscriptions worldwide hit 229.7 million last year. This number is expected to rise rapidly within the coming years and the firm is predicting that LTE subscriptions will hit 2 billion by the end of 2019.

With established markets such as the U.S. beginning to see smartphone and tablet growth slow, growth in LTE subscriptions is being concentrated more in emerging markets. This is particularly true in Asia, where aggressive LTE technology rollouts have combined to add millions of new LTE subscribers in the past year.

“Among the LTE subscription growth, Asia-Pacific contributes the most with a 49% market share. The second greatest contributor is North America with an 18% share,” comments Marina Lu, research associate at ABI Research. “The large population base in Asia combined with rapid LTE network deployment and cost-competitive smartphones has accelerated the remarkable subscriber adoption.”

ABI’s report also predicts that several LTE-related technologies will grow along with the overall industry. LTE-Advanced is expected to hit 750 million subscribers by the year 2019 and the voice over LTE industry is expected to take off as network coverage expands. Mobile revenue is predicted to grow since LTE subscribers spend more on average.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/worldwide-lte-subscriptions-steadily-rising-2014-02/feed0Samsung Announces Dual Duplex-Mode Galaxy S4shttp://www.webpronews.com/samsung-announces-dual-duplex-mode-galaxy-s4s-2013-07
http://www.webpronews.com/samsung-announces-dual-duplex-mode-galaxy-s4s-2013-07#commentsWed, 31 Jul 2013 13:58:53 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=245869As smartphone manufacturers look to China as the next large market for smartphone sales, Samsung this week announced what it claims is the first dual duplex-mode smartphone. The Korean Manufacturer will be releasing versions of the its Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 that are compatible with both TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplex) and FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) wireless modes. Samsung claims the devices will seamlessly switch between the LTE technologies.

Most current LTE networks are based on the FDD-LTE channel access method, which uses different carrier frequencies for transmitters and receivers. TDD-LTE is a competing LTE channel access method that separates outbound and inbound signals, making it more ideal for crowded LTE networks. TDD-LTE is expected to gain adoption in the near future, particularly in the U.S. and China. In addition to consumers being able to switch between the LTE methods, Samsung envisions mobile providers using both TDD-LTE and FDD-LTE to manage data traffic on their networks.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/samsung-announces-dual-duplex-mode-galaxy-s4s-2013-07/feed0T-Mobile Turns On 4G LTE In Seven Markets, 200 Million To Have LTE By Year’s Endhttp://www.webpronews.com/t-mobile-turns-on-4g-lte-in-seven-markets-200-million-to-have-lte-by-years-end-2013-03
http://www.webpronews.com/t-mobile-turns-on-4g-lte-in-seven-markets-200-million-to-have-lte-by-years-end-2013-03#commentsTue, 26 Mar 2013 17:00:47 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=222458At this morning’s UnCarrier event, T-Mobile has already announced that its ditching contracts in favor of a simpler plan, and that it plans to offer the iPhone 5 starting early next month. It’s a great start for the beleaguered wireless carrier, but it still needs to compete with AT&T’s and Verizon’s LTE market penetration.

To better compete in the modern wireless industry, T-Mobile announced today that it’s turning on 4G LTE connectivity in seven markets across the U.S. starting today. T-Mobile consumers living in Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Jose, and Washington, D.C. should be able to access 4G LTE speeds starting today. T-Mobile will also rapidly increase its market penetration over the year with an expected 100 million consumers having access to LTE by midyear, and 200 million having access by year’s end.

T-Mobile is rolling out its 4G LTE market today to take advantage of the numerous 4G LTE devices it sells, and will be selling later this year – among them are the iPhone 5, the Galaxy S 4, BlackBerry Z10 and the HTC One. Those who buy a LTE-capable phone in a non-LTE market need not worry about setting anything up if LTE arrives. T-Mobile says that devices on its 4G network will transition seamlessly to LTE when it launches in more places later this year.

It will be interesting to see how T-Mobile evolves over the year as it brings 4G LTE, and its unlimited data plans, to more markets. Its commitment to consumer friendly mobile plans may just help give it the customer base it needs to continue providing what’s looking like one of the most disruptive mobile plans in years.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/t-mobile-turns-on-4g-lte-in-seven-markets-200-million-to-have-lte-by-years-end-2013-03/feed0LTE Chromebook Pixel Ships On April 8http://www.webpronews.com/lte-chromebook-pixel-ships-on-april-8-2013-03
http://www.webpronews.com/lte-chromebook-pixel-ships-on-april-8-2013-03#commentsTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:47:41 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=222377In late February, Google launched the Chromebook Pixel to reviews praising the hardware, but criticizing its $1,300 price tag and lack of software. Still, the Pixel certainly has a market, and some may be waiting for the LTE version of Google’s new flagship Chromebook to launch. The good news is that you won’t have to wait much longer.

On the Chromebook Pixel product page, Google now says that the Pixel is expected to ship by April 8. The LTE Chromebook Pixel comes in at $1,449, or $149 more than the Wi-Fi Chromebook Pixel, but the added LTE capability may be worth it to the consumer that desires more mobility out of their consumer electronics.

Before you dive headfirst into the LTE Pixel, though, you should probably be aware of what you’re getting into. For starters, the LTE Pixel exclusively uses Verizon’s LTE network. Those who purchase it will get 100 MB a month for the first two years. After that, you’ll have to start paying normal LTE network fees.

If you want more data, you’ll have to purchase a data plan with Verizon. Gigaom reports that Verizon will be selling Pixel LTE data by the gigabyte with 1GB a month costing $20, 3GB a month costing $35 and 5GB a month costing $50. If you want unlimited data for a day, that will cost $9.99. Gigaom also confirmed with Verizon that those already on a data sharing plan with the wireless carrier can add the Pixel to their existing plan for $10 more a month.

At the moment, the Pixel is tied to Verizon. It will be interesting, however, to see if Google starts offering it on other carriers in the future. If T-Mobile can build out its 4G LTE network even more, I could see some people flocking to the carrier for its unlimited data plans.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/lte-chromebook-pixel-ships-on-april-8-2013-03/feed0Google Removes Unofficial Nexus 4 LTE Support In Latest Updatehttp://www.webpronews.com/google-removes-unofficial-nexus-4-lte-support-in-latest-update-2013-02
http://www.webpronews.com/google-removes-unofficial-nexus-4-lte-support-in-latest-update-2013-02#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 18:09:22 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=216858]]>In November, it was discovered that Google’s Nexus 4 had a LTE chip in it. Some users were able to get the 3G-only phone onto 4G LTE networks in Canada, but it wasn’t exactly a widespread exploit. It apparently was enough of an issue, however, for Google to patch it out in the latest Android update.

Anandtech reports that the latest Android update hitting the Nexus 4 – Android 4.2.2 – has removed the ability for the Nexus 4 to access LTE networks on band 4. Before, users could simply access LTE by choosing band 4 under Phone Info. That method of connecting to LTE has now been removed, and it doesn’t look like there’s any other way to access it.

Here’s the guys from Anandtech showing how the Nexus 4 automatically kicks users off of LTE after the update:

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for those who were getting LTE speeds on such a cheap phone, but it really was only a matter of time before Google patched it out. If you still want to get access to LTE, Droid Life suggests users either wait on updating or hope an enterprising developer takes out the radio update from the latest Android update.

Either way, Nexus 4 owners will probably find a way around this latest update to keep getting their LTE speeds.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/google-removes-unofficial-nexus-4-lte-support-in-latest-update-2013-02/feed2Google’s Nexus 4 Has A LTE Chip, You Can’t Use Ithttp://www.webpronews.com/googles-nexus-4-has-a-lte-chip-you-cant-use-it-2012-11
http://www.webpronews.com/googles-nexus-4-has-a-lte-chip-you-cant-use-it-2012-11#commentsMon, 26 Nov 2012 21:24:21 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=204096The Nexus 4 smartphone from Google does not support 4G LTE. Needless to say, it was a pretty big letdown that Google is still sticking to HSPA in its devices. Funny enough, the Nexus 4 does have a LTE chip, but you can’t use it.

Droid Life reported over the weekend that some Canadian Nexus 4 owners were able to access LTE speeds on their phones. All it took were a few simple tweaks, and the Nexus 4 could connect to LTE Band 4 networks. It raised hopes that the Nexus 4 could connect to LTE Bands in the US, but LG immediately shot down those hopes by saying that the LTE chip on board the Nexus 4 won’t work in its current state.

“In order to provide the best possible specification for Nexus 4, LG utilised the same powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset as can be found in its 4G LTE product, namely LG Optimus G.

This powerful chipset is only available with a combined processor and modem and cannot be implemented separately.

The modem contains 4G LTE capabilities but is only effective when combined with other essential hardware parts such as a signal amplifier and filter in order for it to work. It therefore cannot be upgraded to 4G LTE capability through software.”

Despite a few Canadians being able to get on their LTE networks, it probably won’t be possible for the rest of us. For now, Nexus 4 owners can just be content that they got a LG Optimus G at a much cheaper price. The lack of LTE speed is a small price to pay for having cutting edge technology everywhere else, right?

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/googles-nexus-4-has-a-lte-chip-you-cant-use-it-2012-11/feed1iPhone 5 Rumor: LTE Support Going Worldwidehttp://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-rumor-lte-support-going-worldwide-2012-09
http://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-rumor-lte-support-going-worldwide-2012-09#commentsMon, 10 Sep 2012 16:15:48 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=191228It’s been rumored for the longest time that the iPhone 5 will feature 4G LTE support. It only makes sense as the competition has been reaping the benefits of LTE speeds for quite some time now. With the iPad getting LTE support earlier this year, it’s almost guaranteed that the next iPhone will get the same. It may even come with an added bonus.

A report from the Wall Street Journal says that the iPhone 5 will support worldwide LTE. This would allow iPhone users to enjoy 4G speeds across the U.S., Europe and Asia. It’s a major selling point among those who frequently travel the world. The iPhone 4S is global ready, but the iPhone 5 will reportedly be the first to offer LTE.

Unfortunately, the iPhone 5′s global LTE network might be hampered by either technological or business reasons. The sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal said that global LTE may not be available from every carrier. Apple would need to set up the LTE chip on its phone to support the 36 different LTE bands that are currently in use around the world. Doing so is possible, but would lead to a more costly phone.

We’re likely to hear all the details on the iPhone 5 on Wednesday when Apple unveils the new device. The rumors seem to have spoiled all the major features of the new phone, but a confirmation of global ready LTE would be a pleasant surprise. It would be a big boost to the traveling businessman market who may pick up an iPhone 5 after abandoning the 4S for an LTE global ready Android handset.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-rumor-lte-support-going-worldwide-2012-09/feed0iPhone 5 To Come With 4G LTE Support, As Korean Operator Talks Suggest [Report]http://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-to-come-with-4g-lte-support-as-korean-operator-talks-suggest-report-2012-08
http://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-to-come-with-4g-lte-support-as-korean-operator-talks-suggest-report-2012-08#commentsWed, 15 Aug 2012 18:49:44 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=187173The next version of the iPhone, which may or may not be called the iPhone 5 (most likely not), is expected to be released the third or fourth week of September, following an expected September 12 unveiling.

So, we should have close to a month’s worth of leaks, rumors and speculation to tide us over until then. The latest comes from The Korea Times (via TheNextWeb), which reports that SK Telecom and KT officials say they’ve been in talks with Apple. Kim Yoo-chul reports:

“KT is in negotiation with Apple to persuade the latter to support KT’s 1.8-gigahertz frequency in Korea for the upcoming iPhone,’’ said one KT source, asking not to be identified.

…

SK Telecom is also pushing for the same. Officials from the nation’s biggest mobile carrier are currently in Apple headquarters in California to persuade Apple to support SK’s LTE frequency for its local customers.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/iphone-5-to-come-with-4g-lte-support-as-korean-operator-talks-suggest-report-2012-08/feed0New iPad For Sprint Release May Be On The Wayhttp://www.webpronews.com/new-ipad-for-sprint-release-may-be-on-the-way-2012-03
http://www.webpronews.com/new-ipad-for-sprint-release-may-be-on-the-way-2012-03#commentsSat, 10 Mar 2012 13:10:28 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=116102The new iPad may be coming to Sprint, so if you’ve been on Sprint and have been wanting the device since it was unveiled on Wednesday, I hope you haven’t already voided your contract.

Engadget, citing an anonymous source, is showing what is reportedly a look at Best Buy’s inventory database, which shows: “Sprint iPad New” a whole bunch of times.

It certainly make sense for Sprint to get the device, given its big LTE plans and the device’s LTE capabilities. Sprint’s LTE network isn’t expected until the summer though, so perhaps waiting is a smart move.

Mashable’s Peter Pachal speculated a couple days ago that Sprint’s absence from the iPad launch could also be related to Sprint users already experiencing connectivity issues with their iPhones, noting that Sprint still offers unlimited data plans. I wonder if that will end soon.

“You use your iPad a lot, so you want it with you wherever you go,” Apple says. “The new iPad offers the most comprehensive support for networks around the world. It’s designed with cellular antennas that access a larger frequency spectrum. That means you can get online almost anywhere you are — whether you’re on AT&T or Verizon. You can even pop in a local SIM card to get a connection when you’re traveling.”

“The new iPad supports fast cellular networks the world over — up to 4G LTE.2 So you can browse the web, stream content, or download a movie at blazing-fast speeds,” the company says. “It also works on GSM/UMTS worldwide network technologies including HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA — the fastest 3G networks out there. You’ll see downlink speeds up to 42 Mbps with DC-HSDPA and up to 21.1 Mbps with HSPA+.”

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/new-ipad-for-sprint-release-may-be-on-the-way-2012-03/feed1iPad 3 Launching With 4G LTE After All [Rumor]http://www.webpronews.com/ipad-3-launching-with-4g-lte-2012-03
http://www.webpronews.com/ipad-3-launching-with-4g-lte-2012-03#commentsTue, 06 Mar 2012 14:02:19 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=111547We’re only a day away from the big iPad 3 (or is it iPad HD) event that Apple’s holding in San Francisco. Invites were sent out last week, saying that the Cupertino company has “something you really have to see…and touch.”

One of the biggest speculation points on the new tablet has been whether or not it’s going to launch with 4G LTE capabilities. Early reports said yes, but later reports have thrown that into question. On Monday, we told you about sources that said the iPad 3 will not tote a higher price tag than the iPad 2 (something that contradicts common wisdom on the matter). The possible lack of a price hike led MIC Gadget to speculate that it was due to the iPad 3 not coming 4G LTE ready.

Now, on the eve of the suspected launch, iMore is reporting that the new iPad will come ready for 4G LTE. They quote sources that were correct on the date of the launch event who say that Apple is not planning on saving the big 4G announcement for the iPhone 5.